It's that time of year known as Sommerloch (summer hole) in German and the silly season in English, when everyone is away, the newspapers are full of nonsense and lots of research is released into the stratosphere.

In a quarter of a century of funds servicing, Luxembourg has had its ups and downs, but mainly its ups. Our panel of veterans looks back on the country's rise as a fund domicile. Chaired by Nick Fitzpatrick.

What do Luxembourg professionals think about the global funds industry? Our panellists say fees are mostly justified, distribution costs still too high, and challenges still remain for the development of Ucits. Chaired by Nick Fitzpatrick and edited by George Mitton.

For a global custodian, assets have been shown to be at risk when they are out on loan with a prime broker. Among other questions, including about provider consolidation by asset managers, Funds Europe asked how banks deal with this risk.

Alternative assets are set to rise but fragmentation is still a problem for the AIFMD, which is soon due for its second iteration. Managers need to rely on service providers more than ever, says Anja Grenner of Intertrust.

As China continues to open its financial sector to foreign investors and embed itself ever deeper into the global economy, now is the time to handpick the stocks and investment targets that foreign investors crave, says Jun Li, chief investment officer of Sagard China.

Roundtables & Panels

Jersey’s ability to innovate, its potential role as a post-Brexit bridge between the UK and the EU, and a significant increase in alternative assets were among the topics discussed by our panel. Chaired by Romil Patel in St Helier.

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Brexit debate

The Leaver, the Remainer

Watch the debate between the pro-Brexit Roger Bootle and pro-Remain Gina Miller which took place at the SGG Thought Leadership Series event in January. Also watch the panel that followed on the distribution of UK funds into the EU and much more!